How To Choose The Best Indoor Golf Simulators

Nowadays, especially in the circumstance, we’re in, having the ability to practice golf without going to an actual course is a real luxury. Thanks to technology and golf simulators, you now have the freedom to play anytime and anywhere you want, regardless of the current weather conditions. However, given the number of available options, how do you find the best indoor golf simulators 2022 that are worth your buck? Read on to know more.

Nowadays, especially in the circumstance, we’re in, having the ability to practice golf without going to an actual course is a real luxury. Thanks to technology and golf simulators, you now have the freedom to play anytime and anywhere you want, regardless of the current weather conditions. However, given the number of available options, how do you find the best indoor golf simulators 2022 that are worth your buck? Read on to know more.

Factors to Look For The Best indoor golf simulator

Undoubtedly, an indoor golf simulator is a significant investment. For this reason alone, you need to look at specific factors before finalizing your purchase. Apart from reading golf simulator reviews which we advise you to do anyway, we’ve listed some of the factors you need to pay attention to since they can affect your experience and help ensure that you meet your goals.

They are as follows:

1. Size

Size is a critical factor you need to consider when purchasing indoor golf simulators.

In general, studios of more expensive simulators take up a much larger footprint. This is because their full screen, enclosure, and turf will likely require the most space, while a practice net will take up the least.

In any case, you’ll need more than enough space to set up the simulator and swing your longest club (driver) without any concern.

You need to take into account the width, length, and height of your space and compare it against the minimal space requirements of each golf simulator you’ll add to your list.

The usual space requirement for a full golf simulator setup is roughly 10 feet in all directions, although launch monitors may require additional depth. So whether you’re looking to use your golf simulator outside or indoors, you should allocate enough space to accommodate any of the two easily. The good news is there are plenty of great and even best golf simulators for small spaces.

2. Tracking

You should also take careful consideration when it comes to the tracking system that will measure your ball and club data. As to be expected, specific tracking systems are better than others, which account for a considerable portion of the price difference. Some tracking systems are more accurate, more reliable, and have less lag between when the ball hits the screen and when the ball flight is displayed.

For instance, a golf simulator may be affordable. However, its sensor will never be as accurate or produce as many specific data metrics as a photometric camera or even radar system.

In contrast, another golf simulator may be outstanding, but many users may dislike its shot delay, which lasts up to a few seconds.

Generally, the more expensive the simulator, the better its tracking system (but not all the time.) You should take a look into the performance of each and then decide how you’ll weigh the importance of game improvement vs. entertainment.

3. Portability

When looking at indoor golf simulators, another thing you need to consider is the ease of transport. This is where portable golf simulators come in. Usually, more expensive simulators are less portable, but that isn’t always the case. In any case, consider the following:

Do you intend to have a permanent location for your golf simulator, or will you be moving it at times?

Perhaps you travel frequently and want to be able to transport it with you conveniently. Maybe you merely want to save it for the summer, when the weather allows you to go to the driving range or golf course.

If you intend to move your simulator around frequently, consider not having a full simulator set up with a screen and projector unless it’s indicated as retractable. If you’re merely planning to invest in a net, make sure that it’s easy enough to transport.

Finally, if your simulator doesn’t have a net or mat at the least, mobility shouldn’t be an issue at all. Nets are usually simple enough to set up, disassemble, and move around. On the other hand, screen and projector setups are usually less portable but can still be moved from place to place.

4. Software

Prior to buying, try to come up with the list of activities you’d want to do, including the activities you want to take part in and the games you look forward to playing.

Golf simulators support different software in various membership levels, which comprise the following:

Basic Plan

Game-improvement Plan

Play and Improve Plan

Even the so-called tight-budget solutions offer exclusive software that allows you to practice and play several different game types, including better ball, stroke play, match play, and alternate shot.

Other golf simulator models offer their very own in-house software available in multiple tiers. This special software has a 3D driving range, various course modes, practice modes, game modes, and more.

When looking at indoor golf simulators, consider what software options are available and make your decisions accordingly.

5. Budget

Budget is one of the most important factors to consider for one simple reason — not everyone can afford golf simulators that cost $10,000 or more. If that’s the case, then an otherwise great option like the Trackman golf simulator which can cost up to $25,000 is definitely not for you. Fortunately, there are more than enough solutions available that cost well below this amount.

Nevertheless, you need to realize that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get, both in terms of software and hardware. But then again, there are plenty of great and affordable options for the best golf simulators for under $1000